Jiří David: Záře – Exploring the Monumental Neon Art Installation at Galerie Rudolfinum
This unique project details the technical mastery and artistic vision behind the striking public light art.
The "Jiří David: Záře" exhibition at Galerie Rudolfinum offers an in-depth look at the monumental neon artwork 'Záře' (Glow), installed as a thorn crown above the Dvořák Hall's roof. Discover the intricate conceptualization and technical development of this large-scale site-specific sculpture, which involved extensive collaboration. This unique light art project highlights significant contemporary artistic achievement.
About Jiří David: Záře at Galerie Rudolfinum in Prague
Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Jiří David: Záře at Galerie Rudolfinum in Prague
Exhibition summary
This exhibition features 'Záře' (Glow), a prominent neon artwork by Jiří David, in the form of a large thorn crown installed above the Galerie Rudolfinum. The project details the technical aspects and scale of this significant artistic intervention.
Curatorial context
The exhibition 'Jiří David: Záře' showcases a monumental neon artwork titled 'Záře' (Glow), conceived by artist Jiří David for Galerie Rudolfinum. This piece, a neon thorn crown positioned above the Dvořák Hall's roof, began its conceptualization in spring 2000 and saw its technical and organizational development from autumn of that year. The project involved extensive collaboration with NEONKLEMM for neon production and construction, with a total cost estimated between 900,000 to 1 million Czech Koruna.
The thorn crown itself is an elliptical structure measuring 11 x 15 meters, with its highest and lowest thorns extending over 5 meters apart. Weighing approximately 3 tons, the installation is secured by eight load-bearing blocks. Its construction utilizes half a kilometer of glass tubing filled with a mixture of neon and argon, further enhanced by fluorescent powder. The artwork's electrical consumption is around 12 kWh per hour, powered by approximately 40 transformers positioned every 14 meters. The on-site assembly on the Rudolfinum's roof commenced on February 18, 2001, using pre-fabricated semi-finished parts, with the first test activation taking place on February 27, just before the vernissage.
Admission and ticket notes
The page mentions that admission is voluntary, and visitors can re-enter if they do not have enough time to view the exhibition. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing time. However, specific opening hours are listed as closed on Mondays, Tuesdays-Sundays, and Thursdays, which seems contradictory for a typical exhibition schedule and may indicate an archived or specific context.
Jiří David: Záře key exhibition facts
Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Jiří David: Záře at Galerie Rudolfinum in Prague
Venue
Galerie Rudolfinum
Current status
Completed
Exhibition schedule
Feb 28, 2001 – May 27, 2001
Artist line / attribution
Exhibition curated by Martin Dostál and Petr Nedoma, featuring the work of Jiří David.
Prague
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